Is Kigali a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Kigali has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Kigali gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Kigali

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Kigali offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Kigali's early-stage funding scene is developing, with both local and international players supporting startups. Notable mentions include the government's Hanga Venture Ignite grant program and the Rwanda Innovation Fund managed by Angaza Capital, which invests in tech-enabled businesses. Angel networks like the Rwanda Business Angel Network are also active. Despite progress, a significant challenge remains the seed-stage funding gap, making it difficult for very early-stage companies to secure initial capital beyond personal funds or friends and family. While overall funding in Rwanda saw a substantial rise in 2024 compared to 2023, accessing external funding is still a hurdle for many startups, with a large percentage relying on internal sources.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Kigali has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Kigali has a burgeoning startup and innovation culture characterized by significant entrepreneurial activity and a supportive ecosystem. The city hosts numerous coworking spaces like Impact Hub, Westerwelle Startup Haus, and Norrsken Kigali House, which provide resources and community for entrepreneurs. Regular tech events and conferences, such as Africa Tech Summit and MWC Kigali, contribute to a vibrant tech scene. While there's a high ratio of Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) in Kigali, the ecosystem has been noted as somewhat fragmented and historically donor-centric. Support for early-stage founders exists through various programs and incubators, some offering tailored support and resources, though competitive, standardized programs are also prevalent. The government actively promotes technology and innovation, creating a favorable environment for startups.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Kigali can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Kigali, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Kigali is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Kigali has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by numerous educational institutions like the University of Rwanda, African Leadership University, and Carnegie Mellon University Africa. These universities, along with integrated polytechnics and colleges, contribute to a skilled workforce, particularly in STEM fields. Industry-specific skills are being developed through various programs and bootcamps focusing on areas like software development, data science, cloud computing, and digital marketing. Initiatives like kLab and the Kigali Innovation City foster a supportive ecosystem by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth by contributing to a vibrant startup scene in sectors such as fintech, health tech, and agritech. The increasing number of skilled professionals and a collaborative environment are key drivers for Kigali's emergence as a tech hub.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Kigali can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Kigali boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Kigali has cultivated a thriving startup ecosystem with robust infrastructure and support systems. Key resources include numerous co-working spaces and innovation hubs like kLab, Impact Hub, and Norrsken House, providing workspaces, networking, and mentorship. Incubators and accelerators offer programs to help startups develop business models, gain skills, and access funding. The Rwandan government actively supports this ecosystem through initiatives like the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which simplifies business registration and offers incentives. The Kigali Innovation City project aims to create a concentrated hub for tech and innovation with integrated infrastructure. Policies like the Rwanda Startup Act provide benefits such as tax breaks. These combined efforts foster a favorable environment for startups to launch and scale.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Kigali. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Kigali Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Kigali provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Kigali face several challenges. While Rwanda has made business registration remarkably easy and free, navigating the regulatory environment beyond initial setup can still be complex, particularly for specific sectors like fintech which have evolving licensing requirements and capital needs. Competition exists within the growing startup ecosystem, with numerous local businesses and a push for innovation. The cost of living in Kigali is perceived as relatively high by some residents, impacting expenses like housing and potentially affecting the ability to attract and retain talent due to competitive salaries offered elsewhere. Additionally, high taxes and shop rentals have been cited as challenges, particularly for women entrepreneurs.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Kigali or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Kigali offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash